Austin Woman Killed By Pack Of Dogs

Authorities say a pack of dogs attacked and killed an Austin woman who was trying to serve papers to a property from an independent contractor service.

36-year-old Erin McCleskey visited the home on Fay street this past Wednesday when she was attacked by a group of dogs at the gate of the property. Later a care taker arrived to feed the dogs around 9pm. That person called 9-1-1, and authorities then determined that by that time McCleskey had probably been dead for approximately five hours.

Vernon Ballard who lives a few houses down on Fay street said, "Most of the time, dogs don’t do that, it’s very odd, very odd. I hate to hear it."

Ballard says his family has had problems with the dogs at that home for years. Ballard's wife Mellissa said, "They do jump on everything. I don’t trust them, they’re scary. I don’t even like my dogs going around the block with us because I’m afraid that they will get attacked over there".

Travis County Animal Protection Officers impounded the six dogs in a rabies quarantine. Some of the dogs are said to be a Lab/Great Pyrenees mix, while two others may be a husky/Australian cattle dog mix. Authorities also found 14 puppies.

A hearing next week will decide the fate of the dogs.

A statement from the McCleskey’s family was released Thursday night:

Our family is heart-broken over the tragic passing of our affectionate, fun-loving daughter, Erin. She was an adventurous woman who always lived her life to the fullest and never shied away from a challenge. Erin loved people and had a special affection for animals. Her infectious laughter will be missed by her family and friends. Life will never be the same without her.”